China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles, becoming the first country to prohibit the controversial design popularised by Tesla and Elon Musk.
The move comes as electric vehicles face growing scrutiny from safety authorities worldwide following several deadly incidents. In China, two fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs raised concerns that power failures prevented doors from opening.
New safety rules for all passenger doors
Under the new regulations, vehicles will only receive approval for sale if they include a mechanical door release on both the inside and outside. State media report that the rules aim to ensure passengers can exit vehicles during power or system failures.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology now requires every passenger door, excluding the boot, to include a recessed external space measuring at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm to allow access to a handle. Inside the vehicle, visible signs measuring at least 1cm by 0.7cm must clearly indicate how to open each door.
The regulations will take effect on 1 January 2027. Models already approved and nearing market entry will receive a two-year grace period to update their designs.
Designs common across China’s EV market
Hidden door handles remain widely used across China’s new energy vehicle market, which includes battery electric, hybrid, and fuel-cell vehicles. According to data cited by China Daily, around 60% of the top 100 best-selling NEVs feature concealed handles.
Although the rules apply only to vehicles sold in China, the country’s dominant role in global car manufacturing means the decision could influence international design standards.
Global scrutiny intensifies on EV safety
Tesla’s door handles already face investigation by US safety regulators, while European authorities consider introducing similar requirements.
In November, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into Tesla’s electric-powered door handles after reports claimed they failed without warning. The agency said it had received nine complaints related to the 2021 Tesla Model Y, with four owners stating they had to break windows to free trapped children.
Source: BBC
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